Tinubu Delists Maryam Sanda, Kidnappers, Drug Barons, Others From Presidential Pardon — Orders Overhaul Of Clemency Process

In a bold move to uphold justice and national security, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered the removal of convicted murderess Maryam Sanda and several others found guilty of grave offenses — including kidnapping, drug trafficking, human trafficking, fraud, and illegal arms dealing — from the federal pardon list.

The directive was contained in a statement released on Wednesday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, who revealed that the President reviewed the list in response to public outrage and national security concerns.

According to the statement, Tinubu signed the final instruments of release for a revised list of beneficiaries after extensive consultations with the Council of State and key stakeholders in the justice sector.

> “Following consultations with the Council of State and public opinion, President Tinubu ordered a thorough review of the initially approved list. Consequently, individuals convicted of serious crimes such as kidnapping, drug-related offences, human trafficking, fraud, and unlawful possession of firearms have been deleted from the list,” Onanuga stated.

The President also commuted the death sentences of some convicts to life imprisonment, while others had their jail terms reduced in what the presidency described as a balanced act of justice, mercy, and public safety.

Tinubu emphasized that his decision was guided by the “three-way concept of justice” — for the accused, the victim, and the state — noting that pardoning individuals convicted of violent and organized crimes would undermine law enforcement efforts and demoralize security agencies.

> “This action became necessary due to the seriousness and security implications of certain offences and the need to be sensitive to victims and society at large. It also reflects our commitment to fairness and accountability,” the statement added.

To prevent future controversies, Tinubu ordered the immediate relocation of the Presidential Advisory Committee on Prerogative of Mercy from the Ministry of Special Duties to the Federal Ministry of Justice.

He further directed the Attorney-General of the Federation to issue new guidelines for exercising presidential mercy — including mandatory consultation with relevant prosecuting agencies to ensure only qualified persons benefit from clemency.

The President expressed appreciation for the constructive feedback from Nigerians and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to judicial reforms and a more credible justice system.

The controversial inclusion of Maryam Sanda, who was sentenced to death in 2020 for killing her husband, Bilyaminu Bello, had sparked nationwide outrage before Tinubu ordered her removal from the list.

Updated List Of Those Granted Clemency By President Tinubu

Pardons:

1. Mrs. Anastasia Daniel Nwaobia


2. Barr. Hussaini Alhaji Umar


3. Ayinla Saadu Alanamu


4. Hon. Farouk M. Lawan


5. Herbert Macaulay


6. Major General Mamman Jiya Vatsa


7. Ken Saro-Wiwa


8. Saturday Dobee


9. Nordu Eawo


10. Daniel Gbooko


11. Paul Levera


12. Felix Nuale


13. Baribor Bera


14. John Kpuine



Death Sentences Commuted To Life Imprisonment:

1. Emmanuel Baba


2. Abubakar Usman


3. Khalifa Umar


4. Mohammed Umar



Clemency Granted:

1. Oroka Michael Chibueze


2. Adesanya Olufemi Paul


3. Daniel Bodunwa


4. Hamza Abubakar


5. Buhari Sani


6. Mohammed Musa


7. Muharazu Abubakar


8. Ibrahim Yusuf


9. Saad Ahmed Madaki


10. Ex-Corporal Michael Bawa


11. Richard Ayuba


12. Adam Abubakar


13. Emmanuel Yusuf


14. Chinedu Stanley


15. Johnny Ntheru Udor


With this decisive action, President Tinubu has signaled a tougher stance on justice integrity, public accountability, and national security, while setting a new tone for how presidential mercy should be exercised in Nigeria.